1. Introduction

Habitat and Distribution, Native Continent

Pinanga cupularis is endemic to the Philippines, specifically found in the remaining primary and secondary forests of Luzon, Mindoro, and nearby smaller islands. This distinctive palm occurs from near sea level to 1,500 meters elevation, with optimal populations between 500-1,000 meters. It inhabits the understory of tropical rainforests, showing a particular affinity for limestone areas and volcanic soils. The species thrives along stream banks, in ravines, and on moderate slopes where soil moisture remains high year-round. The climate in its range is characterized by 2,000-4,000mm annual rainfall with a less pronounced dry season than other parts of the Philippines, though some populations experience 2-3 months of reduced precipitation.

Taxonomic Classification and Scientific Classification

Synonyms

• Pinanga philippinensis var. cupularis (Becc.) Becc.
• Sometimes misidentified as P. insignis in collections
• Occasionally confused with P. woodiana

Common Names

• English: Cup pinanga (referring to the cup-shaped prophyll)
• Trade name: Philippine cup palm
• Tagalog: Takipan
• Visayan: Bahi-bahi
• Ilokano: Dauag
• Chinese: 杯苞山椰子 (bēi bāo shān yē zi)

Expansion in the World

P. cupularis has moderate presence in cultivation:

• Los Baños Botanical Garden, Philippines (type location area)
• Singapore Botanic Gardens
• Bogor Botanical Gardens, Indonesia
• Private collections in Hawaii and Florida
• Increasingly available from specialist nurseries
• Regular seed availability from Philippine sources
• Limited European cultivation (requires heated greenhouse)

Growing popularity due to distinctive cup-shaped bracts and moderate size.

2. Biology and Physiology

Morphology

Trunk

P. cupularis typically develops 3-8 clustered trunks, though solitary specimens occur. Individual trunks reach 3-6 meters in height with a diameter of 4-7cm. Trunks are green when young, aging to gray-brown, with prominent white ring scars at 3-5cm intervals. The clustering habit varies with some forms producing tight clumps while others spread via short rhizomes. Aerial roots are absent but the base may be slightly swollen.

Leaves

The crown of each trunk bears 5-8 pinnate leaves forming an open, elegant canopy. Leaves measure 1-2 meters long including the 30-50cm petiole. The distinctive feature is the cup-shaped prophyll (modified bract) at the base of each inflorescence, which gives the species its name. Leaflets number 15-25 per side, regularly arranged but with variable widths - some populations have uniform leaflets while others show remarkable variation from narrow (2cm) to broad (10cm) segments on the same leaf. Leaflets are glossy green above, paler below with scattered brown scales.

Flower Systems

Monoecious with infrafoliar inflorescences emerging below the leaves. The inflorescence is 20-40cm long, usually unbranched or with 2-4 short branches. The diagnostic cup-shaped prophyll is 5-10cm long, persistent, and becomes woody. Flowers are arranged in spiraled triads along the rachillae. Male flowers are 4-5mm, white to cream with 6-9 stamens. Female flowers are 3mm, greenish-white. Flowering occurs throughout the year with peaks during the rainy season.

Life Cycle

P. cupularis has a moderate life cycle:

• Germination to Seedling (0-2 years): Steady initial growth
• Juvenile Phase (2-6 years): Clustering begins if applicable
• Sub-adult Phase (6-10 years): Trunk elongation
• Adult Phase (10-40 years): Full size and reproduction
• Senescent Phase (40-60 years): Individual trunk decline

First flowering occurs at 7-10 years or when trunks reach 2-3 meters.

Specific Adaptations to Climate Conditions

• Cup-shaped Prophyll: Collects water and debris
• Variable Leaflets: Maximizes light capture
• Clustering Habit: Insurance against trunk loss
• Flexible Growth: Adapts to various light levels
• Extended Flowering: Ensures reproduction
• Limestone Tolerance: Unusual for genus

3. Reproduction and Propagation

Seed Reproduction

Seed Morphology and Diversity

P. cupularis produces ellipsoid to ovoid fruits, 15-20mm long and 10-14mm diameter. Immature fruits are green, ripening through orange to bright red or deep purple-red. The epicarp is thin and smooth; mesocarp is moderately fleshy and sweet; endocarp is thin and papery. Seeds are ovoid to ellipsoid, 12-16mm long, with deeply ruminate endosperm. Fresh seed weight ranges from 0.8-1.5 grams. Significant variation exists in fruit color between populations.

Detailed Seed Collection and Viability Testing

Collection Protocol:

• Peak fruiting varies by location
• Collect fully red/purple fruits
• Process within 3 days
• Multiple harvests needed

Viability Assessment:

• Float test generally reliable
• Firm, heavy seeds best
• Endosperm should be white
• Fresh viability: 80-90%
• One month: 60-70%
• Three months: 30-40%
• Six months: <10%

Pre-germination Treatments

Fruit Cleaning:

• Remove all flesh thoroughly
• Ferment if necessary (24-48 hours)
• Rinse until clean
• Air dry briefly (2-4 hours)

Scarification:

• Light sanding beneficial
• Focus on micropyle region
• Hot water soak alternative
• 20-30% improvement noted

Pre-soaking:

• 24-48 hours in warm water
• Change water every 12 hours
• Seeds should plump slightly

Step-by-step Germination Techniques

1. Medium: 40% sand, 30% coconut coir, 20% perlite, 10% compost
2. Container: Individual small pots or community trays
3. Sowing: Plant 1-2cm deep
4. Temperature: 25-30°C (77-86°F) optimal
5. Humidity: 75-85%
6. Light: Bright shade immediately
7. Moisture: Keep evenly moist

Germination Difficulty

Easy to moderate. Success factors:

• Fresh seeds crucial
• Stable warm temperatures
• Good drainage with moisture
• Patience required

Germination Time

• First germination: 30-60 days
• Peak germination: 60-90 days
• Complete process: 120-150 days
• Success rate: 60-80% typical

Seedling Care and Early Development

Months 0-6:

• Maintain stable conditions
• Begin feeding at 3 months
• 80% shade optimal
• Watch for clustering

Months 6-18:

• Transplant when 3-4 leaves
• Regular fertilization
• Can reduce shade to 70%
• Rapid growth phase

Years 2-3:

• Larger containers needed
• Clustering evident if present
• Cup-shaped prophylls appear
• Landscape-ready size

Advanced Germination Techniques

Hormonal Treatments for Germination Enhancement

Gibberellic Acid (GA3):

• Concentration: 300-500 ppm
• 48-hour soak
• 25-35% improvement
• Speeds emergence

IBA Treatment:

• 100 ppm quick dip
• Enhances root development
• Use after GA3

Beneficial Microbes:

• Mycorrhizal fungi helpful
• Improves establishment
• Apply at transplanting

4. Cultivation Requirements

Light Requirements

Species-specific Light Tolerance Ranges

• Seedlings (0-1 year): 200-600 μmol/m²/s (80-90% shade)
• Juveniles (1-4 years): 400-1000 μmol/m²/s (70-80% shade)
• Sub-adults (4-8 years): 800-1500 μmol/m²/s (50-70% shade)
• Adults: 1000-2000 μmol/m²/s (30-50% shade or morning sun)

More light-tolerant than many Pinanga species.

Seasonal Light Variations and Management

• Can handle brighter conditions in cool season
• Protect from hot afternoon sun
• Morning sun acceptable for adults
• Adapts to gradual changes

Artificial Lighting for Indoor Cultivation

• Moderate light needs
• Standard grow lights sufficient
• 12-14 hour photoperiod
• 200-400 foot-candles

Temperature and Humidity Management

Optimal Temperature Ranges

• Ideal: 22-30°C (72-86°F)
• Acceptable: 15-35°C (59-95°F)
• Minimum survival: 10°C (50°F)
• Maximum tolerance: 38°C (100°F)

Tolerates wider range than most Pinanga

Cold Tolerance Thresholds

• Light damage: 12°C (54°F)
• Severe damage: 8°C (46°F)
• Death likely: 5°C (41°F)
• Brief cold snaps tolerated

Hardiness Zone Maps

• USDA Zones: 10a-11
• Marginal in 9b with protection
• Sunset Zones: 22-24
• European: H2

Humidity Requirements and Modification

• Optimal: 65-85%
• Minimum tolerable: 50%
• Less demanding than most Pinanga
• Adapts to moderate humidity

Soil and Nutrition

Ideal Soil Composition and pH

Recommended mix:

• 30% loam
• 20% coconut coir
• 20% perlite
• 20% composed bark
• 10% limestone chips (optional)

Well-draining but moisture-retentive

Nutrient Requirements Through Growth Stages

Seedlings (0-1 year):

• Light feeding after 3 months
• 1/4 strength balanced
• Monthly application

Juveniles (1-4 years):

• NPK ratio: 5-2-3
• Bi-weekly in growing season
• Micronutrients important

Adults (4+ years):

• NPK ratio: 8-3-8
• Monthly application
• Organic supplements beneficial

Organic vs. Synthetic Fertilization

Organic Program:

• Compost tea excellent
• Fish/seaweed emulsion
• Aged manure acceptable
• Bone meal for phosphorus

Synthetic Approach:

• Balanced liquid feeds
• Controlled-release granules
• Palm-specific formulations
• Regular micronutrients

Micronutrient Deficiencies and Corrections

• Magnesium: Common - Epsom salts
• Iron: In alkaline soils - chelated iron
• Manganese: Foliar spray effective
• Boron: Occasional requirement

Water Management

Irrigation Frequency and Methodology

• Moderate to high water needs
• Keep consistently moist
• Increase in hot weather
• Good drainage essential

Drought Tolerance Assessment

• Low to moderate drought tolerance
• Can survive brief dry periods
• Leaf tips brown when stressed
• Recovery generally good

Water Quality Considerations

• Tolerates various water types
• Moderate salt tolerance
• pH 6.0-8.0 acceptable
• Hard water tolerated

Drainage Requirements

• Good drainage important
• Tolerates brief waterlogging
• Raised beds in heavy soils
• Organic matter helps balance

5. Diseases and Pests

Common Problems in Growing

• Scale insects: Most common pest
• Nutrient deficiencies: Especially magnesium
• Root rot: In poorly drained soils
• Generally quite healthy

Identification of Diseases and Pests

Disease Issues:

• Leaf spots: Various fungi in wet conditions
• Bud rot: In damaged growing points
• Root rot: Phytophthora in waterlogged soil

Pest Problems:

• Scale insects: Brown/white on leaves
• Mealybugs: In crown and leaf bases
• Palm aphids: Curled new growth
• Spider mites: In dry conditions

Environmental and Chemical Protection Methods

Cultural Prevention:

• Good air circulation
• Proper watering practices
• Remove dead material
• Monitor regularly

Treatment Options:

• Horticultural oil for scale
• Neem oil preventatively
• Systemic insecticides if severe
• Biological controls preferred

6. Indoor Palm Growing

Specific Care in Housing Conditions

Indoor Suitability:

• Good houseplant potential
• Moderate size manageable
• Tolerates AC/heating better
• Attractive clustering habit

Success Factors:

• Bright indirect light
• Moderate humidity okay
• Regular feeding important
• Watch for spider mites

Replanting and Wintering

Replanting Needs:

• Every 1-2 years when young
• Every 2-3 years when mature
• Spring timing best

Process:

• Choose wider pots for clusters
• Use well-draining mix
• Divide carefully if desired
• Water thoroughly after
• Resume feeding in 2 weeks

Winter Care:

• Maintain above 15°C (59°F)
• Reduce watering 30%
• Stop fertilizing Dec-Feb
• Increase humidity if heated
• Monitor for pests
• Maintain bright light

7. Landscape and Outdoor Cultivation

Garden Applications

• Understory clustering palm
• Tropical border accent
• Container specimen
• Limestone garden feature

Design Value

• Unique cup-shaped bracts
• Variable leaf forms
• Clustering habit useful
• Year-round interest

8. Cold Climate Cultivation Strategies

Cold Hardiness

Moderate cold tolerance for a Philippine palm.

Winter Protection

• Survives brief 10°C (50°F)
• Protect below 12°C (54°F)
• Mulch heavily in marginal areas
• Overhead protection helpful

Hardiness Zone

• USDA 10a-11 standard
• Zone 9b possible with excellent protection
• Warm greenhouse elsewhere

Winter Protection Systems and Materials

Marginal Area Strategy:

• Heavy mulching
• Wrap trunks if needed
• Overhead coverage
• Wind protection critical

Container Culture:

• Move to protection
• Reduce watering
• Maintain drainage
• Monitor temperatures

Establishment and Maintenance in Landscapes

Planting Techniques for Success

Site Selection:

• Filtered shade to partial sun
• Protection from hot afternoon sun
• Good drainage important
• Allow space for clustering

Soil Preparation:

• Improve drainage if needed
• Add organic matter
• Can add limestone if desired
• Create planting mounds

Installation:

• Plant in warm season
• Space for cluster development
• Mulch well
• Establish watering basin

Long-term Maintenance Schedules

Weekly Tasks:

• Monitor moisture
• Check for pests

Monthly Tasks:

• Fertilize in growing season
• Remove dead fronds
• Clean debris from cups

Annual Tasks:

• Soil testing
• Division if needed
• Mulch renewal
• Health assessment

Special Maintenance:

• Preserve cup-shaped bracts
• Manage cluster size
• Propagate divisions
• Document variations